Introduction
Looking for a refreshing and nutritious meal that captures the vibrant flavors of the Southwest? This Fresh and Modern Southwest Salad is a perfect option! Packed with grilled chicken, spiced garbanzo beans, ripe avocado, and a creamy taco ranch dressing, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a healthy salad. Perfect for a lunch or dinner, this dish can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
2 Tbsp. taco seasoning
1 lb. chicken breast
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
15 oz. can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. taco seasoning
1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
1 medium avocado, skin and pit removed, lightly smashed
1 lime, cut into wedges
4 oz. sharp cheddar, freshly shredded
2 cups blue corn tortilla chips, lightly crushed
8 oz. mixed greens
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
Mix dressing. In a small bowl or 2 cup glass measuring cup, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning. Whisk until smooth and set aside in the refrigerator.
Prep ingredients:
Wash and cut tomatoes in half lengthwise.
Smash avocado and season with a squeeze (about 1 tablespoon) of lime juice and a pinch (about ¼ teaspoon) sea salt.
Shred cheese.
Rinse and drain garbanzo beans.
Grill chicken. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season chicken with a drizzle of olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Grill over direct flames about 4-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Let rest for about 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Make spiced garbanzo beans. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add beans and sprinkle with taco seasoning, stirring to coat. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
Assemble salad. Layer greens onto salad plates. Top with sliced chicken, cheese, and drizzle with dressing. Add spiced garbanzo beans, tomatoes, smashed avocado, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips. Drizzle with more dressing if desired and serve with lime wedges.
Enjoy your delicious and colorful Southwest Salad!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Mix Dressing
In a small bowl or 2 cup glass measuring cup, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning. Whisk until smooth and set aside in the refrigerator.
Prep Ingredients
– Wash and cut tomatoes in half lengthwise.
– Smash avocado and season with a squeeze (about 1 tablespoon) of lime juice and a pinch (about ¼ teaspoon) sea salt.
– Shred cheese.
– Rinse and drain garbanzo beans.
Grill Chicken
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season chicken with a drizzle of olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Grill over direct flames for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Let rest for about 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Make Spiced Garbanzo Beans
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add beans and sprinkle with taco seasoning, stirring to coat. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
Assemble Salad
Layer greens onto salad plates. Top with sliced chicken and cheese, then drizzle with dressing. Add spiced garbanzo beans, tomatoes, smashed avocado, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips. Drizzle with more dressing if desired and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs well with a side of fruit or a light soup for a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble fresh servings as needed to maintain crunchiness.
Spicing Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your spice preference. Add more for a spicier kick or less for a milder flavor.
Chicken Cooking Alternative
If you do not have a grill, you can pan-sear or bake the chicken breast instead. Cooking time may vary based on thickness.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dressing
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning. Use a whisk to blend until smooth, then refrigerate.
Prepping Ingredients
Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes lengthwise. Smash the avocado, adding lime juice and sea salt. Shred the cheese, and rinse the garbanzo beans.
Grilling Chicken
Preheat the grill to medium-high. Season the chicken with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Grill for about 4-6 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow it to rest before slicing thinly against the grain.
Making Spiced Garbanzo Beans
Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the rinsed garbanzo beans and sprinkle with taco seasoning. Stir to coat and cook for 4-5 minutes.
Assembling Salad
Layer mixed greens on individual plates. Top with sliced chicken, cheese, and drizzle with dressing. Add spiced garbanzo beans, tomatoes, smashed avocado, shredded cheese, and crushed tortilla chips. Serve with lime wedges.
FAQ
Can I use canned chicken instead of grilling fresh chicken?
Yes, you can use canned chicken as a quicker alternative. Just make sure to drain and heat it before adding to the salad.
What if I’m allergic to dairy?
You can substitute the mayo, sour cream, and milk with dairy-free alternatives like avocado-based dressings, coconut yogurt, or almond milk.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare components like the dressing, grilled chicken, and spiced garbanzo beans in advance. Assemble the salad right before serving to maintain freshness.
How can I make this salad spicier?
You can add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the salad for additional heat.
What type of greens can I use?
You can use any salad greens you prefer, such as romaine, spinach, or kale, depending on your taste preferences.
Conclusion
The Fresh and Modern Southwest Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that captures the essence of Southwestern flavors. With its combination of grilled chicken, spiced garbanzo beans, fresh vegetables, and crunchy tortilla chips, this salad is not only visually appealing but also satisfying and delicious. The creamy taco ranch dressing ties all the components together, making it an excellent choice for a hearty lunch or dinner. Enjoying this salad allows you to indulge in a wholesome meal packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh produce.
Grilled Shrimp Southwest Salad
Replace the chicken with marinated grilled shrimp for a flavorful twist. The shrimp can be seasoned with lime juice, garlic, and a hint of chili powder to enhance the Southwestern flavor profile.
Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
Incorporate cooked quinoa and black beans in addition to the garbanzo beans for a more substantial and protein-rich option. Add diced bell peppers and corn to increase texture and taste.
Cauliflower Rice Southwest Salad
For a low-carb version, swap out the mixed greens for a base of cauliflower rice. This allows you to enjoy the same flavors while cutting down on carbohydrates.
Vegetarian Southwest Salad
Create a fully vegetarian version by using a variety of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes. Leave out the chicken and add extra spiced garbanzo beans for protein.
Chipotle Chicken Salad
For a spicy kick, use chipotle-marinated chicken. The smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy dressing and adds a depth of flavor to the salad.
Southwest Pasta Salad
Turn the salad into a pasta dish by adding cooked rotini or penne. This offers a hearty texture while incorporating all the traditional Southwest ingredients.
Spicy Avocado Dressing
Experiment with a spicy avocado dressing by blending ripe avocados with Greek yogurt, lime juice, and jalapeños. This can be a great alternative to the creamy taco ranch dressing.